Meant for Me

Magnolia Bay #3

by Betsy St. Amant

He was her best friend. Still is. But when her beloved beignet shop burns down, he’ll have to be more if she hopes to start over. But will friendship survive the dangers of a marriage of convenience?

Lincoln “Linc” Fontenot enjoys working out, running his crawfish business, and the company of approximately three people. Zoey Lakewood has been at the top of that short list for years, the only bit of sunshine he ever allows to part his comfortably cloudy sky. But when Linc’s steady, quiet world is rocked by the unexpected guardianship of a teen girl, his friendship with Zoey becomes even more crucial. He needs help, bad...but maybe not as bad as Zoey.

Zoey’s never had a problem manifesting joy. But having just lost her home and her beignet business to an uninsured fire, for once she struggles to find the silver lining. She and Linc arrange to help each other out—as just friends, of course. She’ll provide teen-parenting assistance while he provides a place for her to get back on her feet. But one thing her friendship with Linc has never had to navigate is close proximity.

Tension—and chemistry—mount as they attempt to manage this sudden insta-family. But Zoey just lost everything, and she can’t risk losing her best friend, too. Will her friendship with Linc go up in flames like her beignet shop? Or will Linc and Zoey finally realize they were meant for each other?

Magnolia Bay
Book 1: Where I Found You
Book 2: No Place Like Home
Book 3: Meant for Me

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Inspirational, Friends To Lovers

330 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2025

About the author

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over twenty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two daughters, an impressive stash of coffee mugs, and one furry Schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored to truth. When she’s not composing her next book or baby-talking her dog, Betsy can be found somewhere in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She writes frequently for iBelieve, a devotional site for women, and offers author coaching and editing services through Storyside LLC. . Visit her at http://www.betsystamant.com

also published under Betsy Ann St. Amant

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great conclusion to the series! Loved the humor sprinkled throughout the novel. And it's tough to not want a happy ending for a former foster child (main male character Linc) and a teen (secondary character) looking for stability.

Magnolia Bay is a fun setting with its quirky and heartwarming characters and small-town issues such as a lightning-fast gossip line and small budget for town repairs.

I enjoyed every minute spent in the pages of Meant for Me starting with the first page and Linc's extreme displeasure for the messiness of children on his tour boat.

My gratitude to publisher Sunrise for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, well, this book has completely moved to the TOP read of the month. Oh my goodness. This book was everything I wanted and more.

Friends to more romance? Check.
Grumpy vs. sunshine where they actually live up to it? Check.
Marriage of convenience? Check. It's my top trope!
Close proximity, small town, and a surprise teen? Check, check, and check! This book had everything!

Zoey has lost her business and is essentially homeless when she decides to take Linc up on his offer to move into the guest space. They’re best friends, and she has nowhere else to go, so it only makes sense. But when Linc suddenly becomes the temporary guardian of a teenager, they decide a marriage of convenience might actually be the most practical solution. He can help her get back on her feet, and she can help him with the teen.

What neither of them expects is the tension, the growing feelings, and the emotional mess that comes with pretending something that might not be pretend at all. As insurance info from her business starts to surface and new challenges arise with the teen, things get complicated fast. And what happens when one or both of them want more than just a convenient marriage?

You all. The first kiss. The dancing in the kitchen. The things Linc never does… but will for Zoey. Priceless. I loved this.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has a whole lot of wonderful tropes rolled into it! There’s grumpy/sunshine, friends to more, marriage of convenience, and even single parent. I loved that Linc and Zoey were already so close as best friends. However, even as close as they were, Linc had never completely opened up about his past as a foster child. And this past greatly affects how he lives his life and the distance he usually keeps emotionally from people.

I thought the author did a good job of creating realistic tension between Linc and the daughter he suddenly becomes guardian of. Both he and Amelia make plenty of mistakes as they navigate living life together and I liked seeing how Zoey fit in with both of them.

Even though this book is the third in its series, I didn’t have trouble jumping in and enjoying the story.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

a sweet romance blending friends-to-more, marriage of convenience, grumpy-sunshine, and found family!

i loved seeing how linc and zoey continued to grow throughout the circumstances of the story. they both had burdens from the past to confront and overcome, and it was heartwarming to see them do that because of both their relationship with each other and their relationship with amelia.

if you enjoy contemporary romance, definitely check out this one (and this series, i'm sure, based on what i've seen of the other characters) from betsy st. amant!

(i received a complimentary copy from the author and/or publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)


considerations:   
—language: none  
—spice: kisses only
—faith: strong themes + mentions
—content: parental abandonment, mentions of fire + foster care


✨ mid-book review // pg. 120 ✨

i’m finally getting to the marriage of convenience of it all (one of my favorite tropes 🙌🏻), and i’m stoked. linc and zoey have a great grumpy-sunshine dynamic as friends, but neither’s been interested in ruining the friendship (iykyk 👀) to risk something more (though everyone around them can see the potential, for sure). and that’s all about to change…

amelia’s helping to shake up the status quo. her appearance has definitely rattled linc, and i’m hoping he has some sweet growth in the second half, thanks to her presence.

meant to be is the third book in the magnolia bay series. i haven’t read the previous two books, and obviously, like with any interconnected romance series, i’ve missed out on side characters’ backstories and connections. but thankfully, i don’t feel lost with linc and zoey or like i’m missing a big piece of their story.

overall, it’s a fun, enjoyable read so far, and i’m looking forward to reading how it all continues to play out.

[Rebecca Chaffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review! Meant for Me by Betsy St. Amant is a feel-good grumpy-sunshine, marriage of convenience, best friends to lovers story. I love that the story is set in Louisiana, because my husband is from there.

Zoey is the always optimistic girl. Trying to shine light even in the darkest moments of life, while maintaining her unwavering faith that everything works out in the end.

Linc is the hard exterior, always grumpy and sulking man that is suffering from unresolved childhood trauma.

They've been friends since childhood and always been each other's rock. Amelia brings them together in a way they never thought possible because they were scared of their feelings.

The banter is steady and witty, which I love. This is definitely a fun read and I will be purchasing the other 2 books in the series.

Thank you for the #gifted copy!

[Deena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the saddest happy ending to a fun and enjoyable series. Or maybe the happiest sad ending? Or the sappiest? No it’s the happiest, but sad because it’s over. That’s it!

When Zoey’s beignet bakery went up in flames so did her future plans. She’s hanging on to hope that the insurance check will allow her to rebuild. Never put all your hopes in one basket, Zoey!

Linc’s fledgling tour business is sinking. He needs positive reviews and positive press if he’s going to succeed. But he’s just too grumpy to get many starred reviews, and he’s about to get even grumpier.

The friendship between the two best friends is slowly evolving into something more. Until the author drops a bomb in the middle of everything—a bomb named Amelia.

Can a found family come together and become a safe haven for all involved? Is this just happenstance? Or is it all meant to be? (See what I did there?)

I loved every page—even the hard ones. Zoey and Linc are my favorite couple and this is my favorite story. I just want more time in Magnolia Bay!

I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommended!

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meant for Me by Betsy St. Amant is the 3rd book in the Magnolia Bay series. I have enjoyed this series so much!

In Meant for Me, Lincoln (Linc) offers to help Zoey with a place to stay after her Beignet shop burns down. She reluctantly takes him up on his offer because she doesn't want to put him out or take advantage of any of her friends. Not long after, Linc gets some unexpected news of his own as he finds out he has a teenage daughter he did not know about. With this unexpected news, Linc and Zoey decide on a marriage of convenience to help them both out.

Marriage of Convenience is one of my favorite tropes so Meant for Me was an especially enjoyable read for me. I also found both Linc and Zoey to be interesting characters with some opposites attracting and grumpy/sunshine vibes. I didn't get as frustrated in this book with the communication issues as I sometimes do but I did wish they would be more honest about their feelings for each other. At the same time, I could understand their reluctance. I think this book can be read as a stand alone but like many series books, it is more fun to read in order as characters from the other books are a part of this one.

Meant for Me is most definitely a sweet romance with some swoony dancing and kisses. However, Lincoln went through some challenges as a young man and handled them in such a way that he fathered the young woman he gains custody of. I honestly like when Christian books are real in this way as many people come to know Jesus after some checkered pasts so it seems realistic to me. However, some people may feel differently. I like the themes of grace, mercy, and redemption throughout this book. The song, Amazing Grace, also plays a part in this book, and I liked that too.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Tours. All opinions are my own.

[Ella B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Book review

Zoey is such a sunshine, maybe a little too much sometimes. She definitely had her struggles, especially after losing her business. But I really did admire her strength in overcoming that loss and her ability to focus on the positive.

Linc is a total grumpy pants, and I loved it. I really enjoy it when the MMC is grumpy with everyone else but soft with her. His no-nonsense attitude and brutal honesty worked so well, and at times was needed. Watching him navigate being suddenly thrown into fatherhood—with a teen daughter he didn’t know he had—pushed him out of his comfort zone. It was refreshing to see him grow in that role.

I loved zoey and Linc's relationship, the banter between them was so fun and witty. They were always there for each other, grounding one another through all the chaos they faced. Theirs was a marriage of convenience, part for Amelia (Linc's daughter). All three of them were going through major life changes, and it was clear they were just trying to navigate it all together, despite the ups and downs.

The friends to lovers trope is not a favorite of mine, as it consists of miscommunication and assumptions. In part, this fell into that category for me. But the marriage of convenience made it an interesting dynamic. They were stuck between wanting to try for something real and not wanting to risk their friendship.

But I did like how Zoey and Linc made the effort to work on their relationship and build something lasting, not just for themselves, but for Amelia too.

I highly recommend if you enjoy small southern town vibe, found family, and a perfect blend of grumpy/sunshine dynamic.

Received as an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

🔥Heat level: Kisses only.
🫢Language: None!

[Kathryn Pfeifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betsy St. Amant's latest, Meant for Me, is my favorite of her Magnolia Bay series. There is everything to love about this story: the hero and heroine and their delightful personalities, the friendships between former book characters, the emphasis on family, and the message of healing. This story was at times desperate and at others hopeful. I sped through the pages, fully engrossed in this romantic tale. And while I am sad to see this series come to an end, this third installment was the perfect ending. I could not ask for anything better!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting and storyline were quite commendable. The inclusion of the foster care aspect introduced an intriguing dynamic to the narrative. While it is challenging to address the difficult realities that many children face, the portrayal of the love and sense of belonging experienced by Amelia was genuinely heartwarming.

The blend of the marriage-of-convenience trope with the evolution from best friends to something deeper was handled beautifully. Overall, I found this story to be thoroughly enjoyable.

The romance between Linc and Zoey, characterized by their transition from friends to more, was delightful and sweet, featuring tender moments.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute story with some wonderful romantic moments as Linc and Zoey try to navigate their new normal, acting like nothing's changed when everything had. It was fun to see them try to fight their feelings while failing miserably! It was also sweet to see them bond with Amelia and try to make a stable home for her. Linc struggled with feelings of abandonment himself from his childhood but had never told anyone about his past while Zoey tries to always be cheerful and upbeat, not being a burden to anyone. I loved their witty banter but also their deep friendship. Zoey had a strong faith while Linc struggled to believe anyone could choose him or stay; they both had some things to work through to grow. This worked well as a stand-alone but it was fun to catch up with the other quirky members of the town and see how their stories progressed. I highly recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, sweet read involving friends to more, close proximity, sunshine/grumpy, marriage of convenience, and insta-family. Linc's world is rocked when he suddenly becomes the guardian of a teen daughter he never knew existed. Linc and Zoey face uncertainties and ups and downs as they navigate their insta-family. St. Amant weaves spiritual truths into this story such as being chosen by God and that God works things out for good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends to more, grumpy sunshine, marriage of convenience, this story has all the tropes readers want. Zoey's beignet shop was burned to the ground and she has to start over and Linc swoops in to save the day. Readers will thoroughly enjoy the tension and sparks that fly as Zoey and Linc try to figure out where their relationship stands and how to move forward. Angst, romantic chemistry, and focus on family, this story is heartwarming, cute, and swoony. Readers will not want to miss the last story in the Magnolia Bay series from author Betsy St. Amant.

A complimentary copy of the book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Lori Hooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complicated people create beautiful situations when they care more for the others around them than themselves. This is seen clearly when Linc opens his home, and his life, to his best friend Zoey after her beignet shop is lost to a fire.

This small bayou town is rich in support and strength. While recovering from a hurricane, we are following the lives of its residents. It is a lovely place where we see the strength of a small town, the hope brought by relationships where people don't give up, and a future filled with possibilities.

Betsy St. Amant creates characters that speak to the soul of who we are, who we want to be, and who we are becoming. She brings us the hope that comes from the relationships around us lifting us up when we cannot lift ourselves. This is the heart of her writing and what draws me back, time and again. I read book 2 of the series without knowing anything about Betsy. Now, I seek out her writing and found book 1 and hoped for book 3. She writes about the hopes and fears we all face, whether it is as a teenager who is suddenly finding herself in a whole new life or the adult whose life changes due to a tragedy. It is hope and joy and beauty you will not want to miss.

I received an ebook of this title from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! 🤩 What a conclusion to this really great trilogy of stories by Betsy St Amant. This friends to lovers story has so much heart in it. This is based off the fiction town of Magnolia Bay. Linc and Zoey have always been best friends since before they can even remember. Linc & Zoey are sunshine/grumpy. She’s the sunshine and ever the optimist in everyone’s life. When things don’t go as planned Zoey is the first to bring the smiles, but with an unexpected fire that burns her business and home to the ground, Zoey has no where to go. Linc, proud owner of his crawfish business, is struggling well due to his rather not so sunny disposition. He finds himself in the care of an unexpected teenager who has not had the best life. Things get a little rocky to start but Linc and Zoey come up with a plan to save both each by getting married but only in name. Zoey needs help financially and Linc needs a female role model companion for his teenage daughter. Will these two actual realize they’ve been in love for a long time? I loved this sweet story of redemption, love and friendship that turns so much more.

One of my favorite quotes:

“Dunkin’ donuts, Linc. Give a girl a second.” She studied his face, searching for any sign that there was something more to this proposal—if one could even call it that—than a smart business plan.

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

“Well, I mean, yes, God invites us to participate in His plans, and our prayers do matter. But it’s never up to us. It’s never God plus our efforts. It’s God, working it all for good.” She blew out her breath. “Usually despite us.”

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meant For Me is the third book in the Magnolia Bay series and is the third book I have read written by Betsy St. Amant. This series was cute. It sucked me in, and I am a little sad to leave this town behind. Though this was a great conclusion to the series. I have enjoyed this series, and I plan to visit Magnolia Bay again.

The character development was good. Linc is dealing with his foster care upbringing. With his grumpy exterior, he normally comes off wrong. When a little girl ends up on his steps, and is told it is his daughter, he finds himself with guardianship of his daughter that he never knew he had. Zoey lost her store to a fire in the last book and is trying to get a handle on her life. Things seem to be spinning out of control. That is how she finds herself asking to stay in Linc’s spare room. Even with her world in chaos, Zoey still shines through with her sunny personality. It was great watching Linc and Zoey grow together and learn to be parents.

The setting and storyline were great. I love the small town of Magnolia Bay. Being from Louisiana, it was easy to picture this small southern town. The foster care aspect was an interesting dynamic. Hard to see the bad, knowing that it is happening to children every day, but seeing the love and belonging that Amelia felt was touching. I loved this marriage of convenience trope paired with best friends to more. All in all, this story was great.

This friends-to-more, marriage-of-convenience romance between Linc and Zoey was perfect and sweet, just a no-spice kisses-only romance.

Betsy St. Amant did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book.

Quote:
“God invites us to participate in His plans, and our prayers do matter. But it’s never up to us. It’s never God plus our efforts. It’s God, working it all for our good.” She blew out her breath. “Usually despite us.”

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Brandi Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all, Betsy saved the best for last! 🔥

This was the third book in the Magnolia Bay series and I loved everything about it—seriously everything!

Zoey Lakewood and Linc Fontenot have been best friend since they were kids. On the heels of Zoey’s beignet shop burning down—and her only source of income going up in flames with it—Linc offers to let her stay in a spare bedroom at his place.

Even though Linc appears to be the town grump with his rough-tough exterior, he’s simply a man who’s been through tons of heartbreaks that have hardened him. But when Linc’s world is rocked by the unexpected news that he’s become the guardian of a teenage girl, he proposes to Zoey to provide a stable home base. But can they truly stay just friends while being husband and wife? And do they even want to—or do they want more?

This was my first time reading a book with the marriage of convenience trope and Betsy did it so well. I think being so familiar with Zoey and Linc from the first two books was a bonus. They set up the tension found in this book perfectly!

I loved the balance of grumpy versus sunshine and how both characters had a backstory to why they were the way they were. I loved the character growth in both MCs and the faith element woven into the story. I also loved Linc’s grittiness and imperfection—and the redemption arc that was woven in.

What a way to end this sweet series! 5 shining stars from me! 🤩

I received a free copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Marcia Ooms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meant for Me is the final book in the Magnolia Bay series. This book tells Linc and Zoey's story, and is a classic best friends fall in love story. I loved reading about these two characters, and how Zoey softens Linc's rough edges. The reader also learns more about how they met and Linc's painful past. As a former caseworker for children in foster care and adoption social worker, I resonated with Linc's story and how the trauma of his childhood shaped him, including his fear of people leaving him. Zoey has her own issues to deal with as a child of missionaries who feels that she has to be happy all of the time so that others (including her parents) do not worry about her. I loved reading about Linc and Zoey's marriage of convenience and how they tried to ignore their feelings for one another. But the mutual love of a teenage girl brings them together and this story ends with the best happily ever after. Sweet, clean romance with faith themes tying it together--this was the perfect ending to the series!

[It's Sunrise Again · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meant for Me is the fantastic conclusion to the Magnolia Bay series. Zoey and Linc have made several appearances in the earlier novels, and I was curious to see their story play out. If you haven't read the previous novels the I would highly recommend reading them first.

Zoey and Linc's story has many surprises, and in a few ways, like T.I. Lowe in the style of storytelling. There are also so many awesome moments. However, my favourite is the story of how Linc and Zoey met.

Meant for Me is a classic christian, southern fiction romance, and if you enjoy stories with small towns, grumpy/sunshine characters, found family and some ongoing inside jokes then I'm sure you'll enjoy Meant for Me.

I received a complimentary copy from Sunrise Publishing. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved "Meant for Me" by Betsy St. Amant! The sweet story, lovable characters, and the romantic chemistry between two best friends who try to ignore it so as not to ruin their friendship make for a great story!

Lincoln “Linc” Fontenot enjoys working out, running his crawfish business, and interacting with the fewer people the better. Zoey Lakewood is at the top of his list of few people. After her beignet business and apartment burns down, she needs a place to live, and Linc is faced with an unexpected guardianship of a teenage girl. He needs help navigating this new teen relationship, and his quiet and steady life is forever changed when they decide to get married. Will these best friends survive a marriage of convenience?

I was always rooting for Linc and Zoey. I thoroughly enjoyed their friends (from the first two books), who offer advice and humor.

What a great story of friendship, love, and family, and entrusting themselves to God along the way. I thought this story was the perfect way to end the Magnolia Bay series!
I recommend "Meant for Me" as well as the two other stories in the Magnolia Bay series.

Meant for Me ends the series on a high note. Love all the characters who are a part of the town of Magnolia Bay. Readers of clean contemporary romances, and small-town series will love this book!

Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Natalie Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this entire series, but book 3, “Meant for Me” is my favorite! Getting to know broody Linc throughout the series, then seeing his positive changes in his own story was heartwarming and inspiring. Zoey stayed quirky, kind, and positive even after losing so much in book 2. Her steady faith through it all was so inspiring. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and Betsy combined it with the grumpy/sunshine trope perfectly. Linc and Zoey’s transition from friends to spouses to falling in love was so sweet and unique. They will go down as one of my favorite fictional couples of all time!

[Jeanloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meant For Me is the third book in the Magnolia Bay series by Betsy St. Amant and she definitely saved the best for last.

Zoey and Linc have been best friends forever. She is the sunshine to his rain cloud. And she has been in love with him, well, forever. Nobody understands Linc like Zoey and even she doesn’t know all of his secrets.

When Linc ends up becoming the guardian to a daughter that he never knew he had the pair decides that the most logical thing to do is get married. After all, she’s unemployed since her beignet shop burned down and he had no idea how to handle a teenage girl.

What could possibly go wrong with a fake marriage? Maybe a lot. This is a great story of friends to more, grumpy/sunshine, and forced proximity all set in a beautiful small town.

I received an arc of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.

[Rebekah Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

“After all, low expectations meant less room for disappointment. More room for sunshine.”

“Meant for Me,” is the third book to the series, “Magnolia Bay” by Betsy St. Amant.

Linc is just a guy who minds his own business. You leave him alone, he will leave you alone-however, he does have a soft side that he secretly hides very well until his whole world shifts in one day.

Amelia lost her business and is fighting to stay afloat. She is relying on that money to come in-but will it? A kind and caring person, she likes to make everyone happy, but can she keep that attitude up when things begin to crumble?

I really enjoyed this book and was so excited that this character Linc got his own story. He was always very intriguing to me when I read one of the other books in this series. The plot of this story was perfect and I loved how it was rather laidback and a down to earth, possibly everyday kind of story. Were there climaxes? Of course, but don’t we all have that in life?

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

From book one, everyone knew Linc and Zoey were meant to end up together, except for Linc and Zoey.

This was one of those married for convenience stories which could either end in disaster or lead to happily ever after - plus we do not see a lot of these marriages in modern times.

Linc and Zoey always had a wonderful supporting friendship where they pushed each other to be their best and had some of the best banter. But lacking kn communicating how they feel. Ad in a moody teenager and you have a lot of emotional moments.

This was fun and heartwarming but also included deep bonding moments as characters had to struggle with the past, insecurities and learning they are allowed to hope, dream and risk for love.

A great ending to the series.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy books in which the two main characters take the entire book to figure out the other one is in love with them, here you go! I'm not a big fan of tension in a relationship for the whole book. St. Amant handles issues well in this book, but I wish the characters could have learned things a bit faster :-) I'm very thankful for the Epilogue! Now I'm ready for a less angsty, tense book for a bit.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dunkin' donuts!! This was a favorite saying by Zoey and I loved it!

I've always enjoyed being in Magnolia Bay and my favorite part of it is the core group of friends that is there. Mama D is also pretty fabulous as she comes alongside the younger people.

Linc and Zoey have been best friends forever but are total opposites. He is super grumpy and she is a ray of sunshine. Zoey is a character that you would want to be friends with. The book takes some interesting turns and you will cheer and sigh as the story unfolds.

Thanks to Sunrise Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Stacey Cochran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend!

What a conclusion to a great series! I loved these characters, their banter and their chemistry and just the relationship. I will miss Magnolia Bay, but I’m so grateful to have read about these characters and what they have learned about God and from God. Highly recommend this entire series!

[Lyn Herbohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots to enjoy.

I really enjoy stories that include character growth. Linc was scarred from childhood trauma and didn’t have a strong faith. Zoey grew up with missionary parents and a lifelong faith, but both she and Linc had things to learn. Throw in mutual simmering attraction, a teenage girl and the return of favourite characters from previous books and you have everything a great story needs!

[Alyssa Amey Madjeski · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute! I’ve really enjoyed this series from Betsy St. Amant and how this friend group and quirky town personalities all blend together to make truly enjoyable reads! I especially liked this modern marriage of convenience and friends to lovers story- two of my favorite tropes. Linc and Zoey take grumpy/sunshine to the extreme, but when Zoey desperately needs Linc’s provision and Linc desperately needs Zoey’s steady presence, these two friends start to realize how well they complement each other and how their friendship has already grown to more without their knowledge or permission. I loved catching up with friends and learning more about Linc and Zoey, cheering on their relationship, and especially enjoyed Linc’s attempts at building his relationship with Amelia. I also enjoyed the organic faith elements and character growth. If you love sweet contemporary romances, you’ll love this series.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hands down my favorite book of the Magnolia Bay series! St. Amant is at the top of her game with this book; the characters are lovable and I so enjoyed watching their growth throughout the book. And the faith element was on point, too (in fact, convicting for me at several points, too!). Loved it!